Cousin mourns homicide victim's death: 'All they did was take the life of somebody's son'

Family and friends Sunday mourned the loss of a teenager who was just discovering his talent for music when he was shot dead in Ypsilanti Saturday morning. Meanwhile, police continued the search for his killer.

The investigation into the homicide of Keon Washington, 17, of Ypsilanti Township, continued with few updates on who shot the Ford High School student. Ypsilanti police officials declined to provide new information on the case when reached Sunday.

Meanwhile, friends and family members of Washington have been left to mourn the loss of a teenager who was expected to graduate high school next year.

Evan Fosha, Washington’s cousin, decried that a gun was used to settle an argument and called for people to show each other more respect.

Keon WashingtonCourtesy photo

“It’s obvious the love that people are showing for Keon now that he is gone,” Fosha said in an email, “but, if we show people this much love while we are alive then maybe they won’t feel the need to pick up a gun.”

Ypsilanti police reported responding at 12:35 a.m. Saturday to the 500 block of West Madison Street for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a large crowd gathered outside a home where a party was taking place.

Washington was unconscious with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, lying on the ground. He was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Police interviewed individuals who were seen leaving the area in a vehicle, later discovered to be stolen. Those individuals were questioned and released by police.

Last week, on Tuesday, Washington tweeted he had been released on bond and online records show he had been bonded out of the Washtenaw County Jail. It's unknown why he was jailed — police were unavailable for comment and the online case search systems for the Washtenaw County district courts were not working on Sunday.

The news of Washington's death spread quickly and many people expressed their shock.

The flood of grief was evident on social networking as many people shared their condolences and disbelief at the incident using the hashtag #RipKeon on Facebook and Twitter.

Anthony Pickett described a friend who had stood by his side since their time in middle school. He said Washington had a passion for rapping and his talent was evident.

About a week ago, Washington sent Pickett new music, which the duo was excited about. They had made plans to film a music video together for the new track, Pickett said.

The two were close enough that Pickett described Washington as his brother.

“Keon will be remembered,” Pickett said in an email. “He (sic) still here in our hearts. It’s sad to see my brother go. … Nothing will be the same without Keon, he always brightened the day.”

Fosha tweeted Washington's family is trying to raise money to buy a suit for the upcoming viewing and funeral. Those interested in donating are encouraged to contact the Men’s Wearhouse at 22179 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.

Multiple tweets indicated a candlelight vigil is planned at Ford High School, 20000 Evergreen Road, Detroit, on July 5 in Washington's memory. That information could not be independently confirmed.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for The Ann Arbor News. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@mlive.com or you can follow him on Twitter. Find all Washtenaw County crime stories here.